Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Stopped by my good friend Eric Lau's house today. He's an amazing producer & if you're not familiar with him, check him out. He recently collaborated with Olivier Daysoul to create their new single "Finer Things". Have a listen below.

Monday, December 20, 2010

Organization is key, it allows you to execute plans accurately. Most of all, it gives you more time to be creative. Today, Tranqill & I mapped out a rough draft of his promotion & release schedule leading up to his solo album in autumn 2011. Get ready.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

I use google analytics for lots of reasons. Knowing where I'm most popular helps me book tours, figure out which countries to do exclusives for, release dates, etc.. I thought I'd share with you the top 5 cities in the top 5 countries that visit my blog. I'm often amazed that a large amount of my visits come from smaller towns yet I spend most of my time performing in major cities. According to these statistics my next visit to California needs to be Alameda & not LA.

Friday, December 10, 2010

Khartoum hip-hop group Rezoulution say they're free to rap about politics - up to a point

Sudan's musicians have gone from persecuted outcasts to high-profile stars. Now, as a referendum on the south's possible independence approaches, there are fears that the same combination of ideology and politics might send them packing again, writes the BBC's James Copnall in Khartoum.

When hardline Islamists took control of Sudan in 1989, they made it clear that a lot of music was not acceptable.

"Women and the arts are the two great casualties of the Islamists," says Sudanese human rights activist Albaqir Alafif Mukhtar.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

I've been talking about this EP for a while now & it's finally coming out. Topeka, Kansas MC "Stik Figa & I came together to create the "From The Top" EP. In the tradition of Diamond District, Trek Life & Tranqill... "From The Top" brings you regional Hip Hop. This time from Topeka through the eyes of Stik Figa. Check the first single above & download it for free. Be on the lookout for the rest of the EP next week.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Olivier Daysoul & I were recently in York, Pennsylvania working with the talented Ralph Real. Ralph is my go to guy for keys & additional instrumentation on my tracks. here's a couple of shots I snapped of Olivier in this old fashion train station.

My homie Hezekiah has finally convinced his younger sister keziah to release some material. Just like her brother, kezekiah is a lyrical beast. I had the privilege of doing a remix for her that will be featured on her up & coming EP dropping December 1. Look out for it!

Sunday, October 17, 2010

My homie Tranqill is here on his first visit to New York for CMJ. Due to so many references in rap music, he was dying to try Popeye's. We sat in a park to eat & this one squirrel would not leave Tranqill alone. Brooklyn squirrel's are something else.

Friday, October 15, 2010

I've always felt fortunate when it comes to the artist I have at my disposal. They're talented, dedicated, self sufficient and above all, they're my friends. For those of you who don't know, Olivier Saint Louis aka "Olivier Daysoul" is one of my best friends & has been for sometime. We came together on this project to bring you something we started when we first met, a soul project. Our careers have taken us down many paths but we've always wanted to write, produce & record classic material.The first 1,000 downloads are free, after that it will be available for "name your own price". The download includes:

Four Original TracksInstrumentalsAcapellas [BPM Included]Von Pea Of Tanya Morgan Remix of "In The Now'

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

With Olivier & I dropping an EP this Friday, we had to give you a sneak peak of the tunes. I shot this mini-doc to give you all a chance to get to know Olivier & the music we're making. The "Mr. Saint Louis EP" will be available Friday October 15, 2010.

If you're in NYC during CMJ, come see Diamond District perform along with Black Sheep, Nottz, Big Pooh + Hall of Justus, Chip Fu, Rah Digga, Von Pea, Moe green, DaVinci, The Niceguys, and The Left at the Audible Treats CMJ Showcase on Thursday, October 20th, at Sullivan Hall. It's 18+ and tix are only $10 in advance: http://bit.ly/AT_CMJ_2010

Singer, MC, producer & one of the livest performers I've ever seen, Kokayi has a new album. His newest release "Robots & Dinosaurs" is now available on 'Qn5' records. Kokayi is one of the most versatile artists I know, his ability to make music that crosses all lines is one that I envy. Last night, Diamond District had the honor of sharing the stage with him, lets just say we had to step our game up! Visit Kokayi's site, links to his album & twitter are below.

Monday, October 11, 2010

It's been a longtime coming but I'm pleased to inform you that Olivier Daysoul's "Mr. Saint Louis" EP finally has a release date. The good folks over at PUTMEONIT caught up with Olivier via Skype while he was in Japan on tour with Hudson Mohawke. The interview & first single off the the "Mr. Saint Louis" EP titled, "Labor" are below.